Renovation of a 1.5-acre neighborhood park adjacent to a creek, neighborhoods and an elementary school. There are two play areas, each geared to different age groups and skill levels. The plan includes both active and passive areas, new seating areas, additional landscaping, and a new drainage system. Design ideas were based on the north Marin natural environment, including such features as a bear sculpture with adjacent sandblasted footprints, tiles buried beneath the sand (for discovery by digging children), a climbing teepee, real canoe, and natural-looking climbing boulders. Substantial community input was involved in the development in the park, and the community also participated with some matching funds and labor.

CLIENT

City of Novato

CATEGORY

Parks

BELLA VISTA PARK AND PLAYGROUND

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

This shared play area for Bella Vista Elementary School and the park was co-developed by the City of Oakland and the Trust for Public Land. It was previously a large, hot asphalt playground with no amenities. The project highlights Oakland’s commitment to “green” design principles. The new plan features a large turf play area, a multi-use playground, two new play structures, basketball courts, community gardens, A nature area

including a new butterfly garden, a stage area and pathways. Green/sustainable design principles guided the design and include use of recycled materials, native plants, bioswale drainage system, and an efficient irrigation system.